Officials warn people about possibility of finding debris after SpaceX explosion

Debris from the Falcon 9 rocket that exploded after liftoff Sunday morning could wash ashore overnight, and authorities are warning people to keep their distance.

The unmanned rocket, which was carrying cargo to the International Space Station, exploded about two minutes into flight over the Atlantic Ocean.

Officials with the 45th Space Wing and Cape Canaveral Air Force station issued a warning for boaters and beachgoers Sunday afternoon, urging people not to pick up the debris or make cellphone calls near it.

A press released warned: "Some of the debris may be toxic or explosive in nature and may be potentially hazardous, which is why it needs to be reported to and handled by trained professionals."

The warning was directed at people on the shores north of Cape Canaveral.

Aside from being potentially hazardous, the remains of the rocket could be useful to SpaceX as they try to figure out what caused the rocket to explode.

"If they're uncertain, then actually getting hands on the hardware will help give you more confidence that you understand what happened," said Dale Ketcham, Chief of Strategic Alliance for Space Florida.